Opus 47, 2007

Restoration of 1798 David Tannenberg Organ

Single Brother's House, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Opus 47, 2007

specification

While the main focus of this restoration of this particular instrument was to return all of the original pipes to the organ (they were found during our restoration of the 1800 Home Church Organ), there was also the task of fitting the original pipe shades to the organ. These pipe shades were not used in the 1964 restoration, but were returned to the organ during this restoration. The shades did not fit the case as it was reconstructed in 1964, so it was decided that the stiles (vertical portions of the upper case) would be remade to fit the carvings. It should be noted that the only original parts of the upper case are the side panels, upper cornice, and impost and none of these pieces were altered during our restoration. We only replaced pieces that were made new during the 1964 restoration. The original outer shades at some point had been cut short, so new pieces were added to the originals. Another part of the restoration effort was to make new stop knobs for the organ, based on two other David Tannenberg organs in Pennsylvania.

The organ , restored in 1964 by George McMannis

The organ , restored in 1964 by George McMannis

The upper case was removed and taken to our shop. Here the original facade pipes have been installed.

The upper case was removed and taken to our shop. Here the original facade pipes have been installed.

This is the problem with the original shades not fitting the organ. The stiles were made in 1964, based on Tannenbergs proposal drawing.

This is the problem with the original shades not fitting the organ. The stiles were made in 1964, based on Tannenbergs proposal drawing.

Kelley Blanton making new stiles

Kelley Blanton making new stiles

Original pipe shade fitted to a new stile

Original pipe shade fitted to a new stile

Original pipe shade sitting on a blow-up of Tannenbergs original drawing of the organ.

Original pipe shade sitting on a blow-up of Tannenbergs original drawing of the organ.

Two of the three shades had had pieces cut off at some point. Here is a new piece glued on, ready to carve

Two of the three shades had had pieces cut off at some point. Here is a new piece glued on, ready to carve

Kelley Blanton fitting the carving with the new piece to the case

Kelley Blanton fitting the carving with the new piece to the case

Upper case with new stiles and the original pipe shade fitted

Upper case with new stiles and the original pipe shade fitted

Upper case with new stiles and the original pipe shade fitted

Upper case with new stiles and the original pipe shade fitted

Kelley Blanton carving the new pieces

Kelley Blanton carving the new pieces

Kelley Blanton carving the new pieces

Kelley Blanton carving the new pieces

Finished carving, waiting for gilding

Finished carving, waiting for gilding

New stop knobs

New stop knobs

All of the wood pipes in the organ had to be lengthened. Here, the first piece is in place

All of the wood pipes in the organ had to be lengthened. Here, the first piece is in place

Shannon Regi gluing on extensions

Shannon Regi gluing on extensions

Shannon Regi gluing on extensions

Shannon Regi gluing on extensions

Lengthened pipes

Lengthened pipes

Chris Bono making new foot racks

Chris Bono making new foot racks

Chris Bono burning open the holes in the new racks for the pipe feet

Chris Bono burning open the holes in the new racks for the pipe feet

Chris Bono burning open the holes in the new racks for the pipe feet

Chris Bono burning open the holes in the new racks for the pipe feet

The original pipes in the new racks on the original toeboards

The original pipes in the new racks on the original toeboards

8 Hewitt Road, Staunton, Virginia, USA
Phone 540.886.3583

Copyright 2020 Taylor and Boody, Inc
Website designed and maintained by Taylor and Boody Organbuilders